Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center

Tilden Nature Area

Hours

Tues-Sun: 10am-4:30pm

Fees

Parking: No fee | Dogs: No dogs allowed in Tilden Nature Area

Address

Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center (EEC)
1500 Central Park Drive
Berkeley, CA 94708

Phone

(510) 544-2233
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, ext. 4564

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Trail Closure: Vollmer Peak Trail

The South Park Drive section of Vollmer Peak Trail is closed due to hazardous trees. Please follow trail closure signs and practice caution when hiking in the park, particularly during stormy weather.

Trail Closure - Wildcat Creek Trail

Due to culvert damage, the Wildcat Creek Trail is closed between Jewel Lake and the Wildcat Canyon Regional Park gate.

Trail Closure - Pine Tree Trail

Due to storm damage, the Pine Tree Trail in Tilden Nature Area is closed until further notice.

South Park Drive Closure

South Park Drive in Tilden Park will remain closed through April 7, 2024, due to recent wet weather, newt observations, and the Park District’s South Park Drive reopening protocol. Reopening is tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 8, depending on conditions.

Trail Closures - Tilden

  • Memory Trail is closed and impassable between Canon Dr. and Selby Trail until further notice because of a bridge failure. 
  • The upper 0.43 miles of Laurel Canyon Trail is closed until further notice due to storm damage. Detour MapView Map
  • Grizzly Peak Trail is closed to equestrian traffic due to storm damage.
  • Selby Trail is closed at the connector trail to the Merry-Go-Round until further notice.

Please consider alternative trails/trailheads, exercise caution and follow all signage in the area. Updated March 28, 2024.

Tilden Nature Area is a 740-acre preserve located just North of Tilden Regional Park. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, the preserve contains a blend of native and introduced plant communities, including oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and streams. Hikes range from the leisurely, self-guided Jewel Lake Nature Trail to a vigorous climb up Wildcat Peak (elevation 1,211 ft.) for panoramic, San Francisco Bay views. A 750-foot boardwalk through the woods leads to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and waterworks, and a peaceful place to watch wildlife.

At Tilden Nature Area one can also find the renowned Environmental Education Center (EEC), the headquarters for the area's interpretive programs, and the historic Little Farm.

Park Hours

AREADATESOPEN HOURS
Tilden Nature AreaOpen Daily5am - 10pm unless otherwise posted or permitted
Environmental Education Center (EEC)
(510) 544-2233
Open year-round
Tue - Sun
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
10am - 4:30pm
Little Farm
(510) 544-2233
Open during regular park hoursOpen during regular park hours
Indian Camp Gate ScheduleThe Indian Camp parking lot gate opens at 8am daily and is locked around sunset. Indian Camp Gate Schedule:
Jan 1-Feb 9: 8am - 6pm
Feb 10- Mar 10: 8am - 7pm
Mar 11-May 31: 8am - 8pm
Jun 1-Aug 31: 8am - 9pm
Sep 1-Sep 30: 8am - 8pm
Oct 1-Nov 4: 8am - 7pm
Nov 5-Dec 31: 8am - 6pm 

View Tilden Attractions (PDF) for a list of current hours and contact details.

    To Reach The Park

    Park Accessibility

    The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is accessible to persons with disabilities. It has accessible parking and facilities.

    Attractions

    View Tilden Attractions (PDF) for a list of current hours, fee information, and phone numbers.

    Environmental Education Center (EEC)

    The Tilden Environmental Education Center provides exhibits and public programs that highlight the diverse resources of the Tilden Nature Area. The District intends to replace the existing EEC with a new facility of a similar size. For more information about this project visit the Tilden EEC Replacement Project webpage.

    The naturalist staff offers interpretive programs throughout the year. Thousands of urban youngsters have learned their first lessons about nature at the EEC or met their first farm animal at the Little Farm next door. Naturalist-guided programs for school groups and other organized groups are available Tuesday through Friday by advance registration. See our Educator Resources information for details or call the EEC at (510) 544-2233. Weekend programs provide exciting opportunities to learn about natural and cultural history throughout the Park District's Northwest region. Go to our Naturalist Programs page to download our monthly program guide for a list of upcoming activities.

    Inside the EEC you can explore exhibits that tell the story of the Wildcat Creek Watershed, find information on park activities, and purchase nature-related books and materials at the nature center store. 

    Little Farm

    The Little Farm was built in 1955 and features a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Several heritage breeds are preserved here, including Milking Shorthorn Cattle. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the animals download our Little Farm Brochure (PDF),

    Bikes

    All bikes are prohibited in the area of the Tilden's Environmental Education Center (EEC) and Little Farm, or on any single-track trails in the Tilden Nature Area. To access Wildcat Creek Trail from the south, bikers must use the loop road above the EEC and Little Farm to Jewel Lake. Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Laurel fire road connecting the Nimitz Way to the loop road.

    Camping

    Two group campsites are located in Tilden Nature Area--New Woodland (capacity 50) and Wildcat View (capacity 75), both located about one-quarter mile from the end of Lone Oak Road off Central Park Drive. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. All reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance. 

    Dogs

    Dogs are NOT permitted in the Tilden Nature Area. 
    Visit our Dog Information page.